AceShowbiz - Melissa Etheridge has long been known for her dynamic approach to music, seamlessly blending rock, country, and Americana influences throughout her career. Since her 1988 self-titled debut, where she boldly expressed her identity as an openly gay artist well before many others, she has continuously evolved her sound while keeping rock & roll at its core. Her latest album, Rise, set for release on March 27, showcases this maturation with a fresh Nashville-inspired vibe, produced by Shooter Jennings at the legendary Sunset Sound studio.

For Melissa Etheridge, working with Shooter Jennings was a deliberate choice to balance rock and country elements in her music. She admired Jennings’ deep roots in country rock and his heavy-metal background, appreciating his ability to stay steady and let the music breathe. “He gets out of the way and is solid and steady the whole time,” she explained. Their collaboration sparked quickly, resulting in an authentic sound that feels true to her classic style but with renewed energy.

One of the standout tracks on Rise features a duet with country star Chris Stapleton, titled “The Other Side of Blue.” The collaboration emerged from Etheridge’s desire to write solely with Stapleton, whose work she greatly admired. Though they had never met before, their songwriting session in Nashville was deeply personal and moving. They bonded over stories of family and loss, with Etheridge sharing about her three surviving children and her late son Beckett, who passed away in 2020 due to addiction-related struggles. Stapleton’s understanding and empathy led to a powerful creative connection that shaped the song’s hopeful yet sober tone.

Reflecting on the current music landscape, Etheridge sees country music as a vital force in reviving rock & roll’s spirit. She frequently listens to stations like SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and The Highway, noting how many contemporary country artists echo the energy of ’90s rock icons. While her musical upbringing included legends like Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash, she has always identified more closely with rock & roll, though she acknowledges the lines are increasingly blurred today.

Her nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame aligns with her belief that rock is not confined to one genre. She embraces the notion that rock’s spirit permeates R&B, rap, and country music, pushing back against narrow definitions like those expressed by Gene Simmons, who controversially excluded hip-hop from the Hall of Fame. For Etheridge, rock & roll is an intangible feeling that transcends boundaries.

Throughout her career, Melissa Etheridge has used songwriting as a form of healing. Early themes focused on love and heartbreak common in youth, but her openness about her identity remained steadfast. After surviving cancer, she consciously started writing songs that would remind her of her strength decades later. The loss of her son Beckett brought a profound shift, inspiring her to write “Call You,” the album’s first song. It captures the pain of no longer being able to reach him but also a resolve to continue living fully despite grief.

Beyond music, Etheridge has been an advocate for cannabis, especially in relation to her breast cancer recovery. However, she has stepped away from the cannabis business due to federal legalization challenges and banking restrictions. Instead, she now channels her efforts into her foundation, supporting research into plant medicines for trauma and addiction, including cannabis, psilocybin, and other psychedelics.

Her views on addiction have evolved, particularly following Beckett’s passing. She regards addiction as a complex neurological and psychological condition and believes in the potential of plant medicine as a therapeutic tool. Her experience with these treatments has motivated her to push for legal reforms to make such options accessible for addiction recovery, especially for younger people.

When asked about the persona of Melissa Etheridge, she laughs and confirms she is wholly authentic in her music and public self. Her songs, even when intense or angry, reflect her true experiences and emotions without pretense.

Looking back to her early days, Etheridge admits she was a stubborn 23-year-old who likely wouldn’t have heeded advice. Yet, she would tell her younger self to focus on the long journey of making music and performing live, to embrace both successes and quieter moments, and to stay true to the passion that fuels her art.

With Rise, Melissa Etheridge demonstrates her continued relevance and growth as a songwriter, artist, and advocate. Her ability to blend genres, confront personal tragedy, and stand firm in her identity reveals a resilience and artistry that keep her at the forefront of the music world.